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About Cindy Petrauskas
Expertise
I have owned these little weasels for over 15 years. While I cannot diagnose a condition, I feel confident to have gained enough knowledge to answer most questions concerning general health, nutrition, training, safety, cage requirements, games, grooming, vaccination, behavior, nipping, adoption, care of ill and elderly, and common symptoms of diseases. I have personally witnessed adrenal tumors, malignant cancer and liver failure in my own pets, and have seem many other conditions at my job as a vet technician for four years. Now I am studying for my doctorate in veterinary medicine, but as previously mentioned, I cannot diagnose a condition. That can only be done by a licensed veterinarian. I will, however, do my very best to answer any questions to the best of my ability.

Experience
I have been a ferret owner (or owned by the carpet sharks!) for the past 15 years, as well as a shelter volunteer (Ferret Association of CT) for 5. I am now a first-year veterinary student in Louisiana, and I wish to specialize in these little guys!! There are so few doctors that will treat ferrets. I have my bachelor's degree in bio-molecular science, and I am currently enrolled at the the LSU College of Veterinary Medicine for my doctorate degree.

Organizations
Louisiana State University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Ferret Association of CT

Education/Credentials
Present: Louisiana State School of Veterinary Medicine: 2009-2013 (DVM Degree) Past: Farmington Valley Veterinary ER (ER tech): 2007-2009 Veterinary Specialists of CT (vet tech): 2006-2007 Central Connecticut State University: 2001-2006 (BS in Bio-medical)

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Exotic Pets > Ferrets > Ferret colors

Ferrets - Ferret colors

Expert: Cindy Petrauskas - 11/1/2009

Question

Mitch

Hello Cindy!

I have just adopted a new furry friend! I've named him mitch he's a 5-6 month old lil gent and he's a complete sweetheart, very well mannered and comes when called. The only problem thus far is I'm having trouble distinguishing his color and was hoping to get some advice!
I'm guessing he's some sort of silver, but his base coat is yellow with almost blackish brown/silver tint to his outer hair shafts (especially around his legs like a sable). He has like a widows peek at his forehead that is almost chocolate and his face is mostly white with some faded brown where he might have a very light mask. He has white mittens and his tail fades into a solid silver.
Lol, He might just be a mutt of some sort but it would be extremely helpful if you can direct me to the closest category of color! (Mostly for my own pleasure of knowing and to make it easier to explain to friends when they ask! lol)

Here's a photo of my Mitchy boy! Thanks so much for looking!

-Stephanie

Answer
Congradulations on your new addition to your family! He's a cutie =D

Colors are difficult to pinpoint, especially when many look similar. From the picture I would say a roan mitt (perhaps chocolate roan mitt? There seems to be a brownish tone in there too.)

A roan is also called "silver" which is the term I generally use. If you want to be correct to the ferret standards, it is called roan. Go figure!

Since pictures are often difficult to determine, I've included a link to the AFA color chart that they use for evaluating color.

http://www.ferret.org/events/colors/colorchart.html

I hope that helps!

-Cindy P.

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